ernal fretting after him is
so bad for poor Charlie.'

'It is on Amy's account that it is impossible to have him here,' said
Philip.

'Ay! He shall never set eyes on Amy again unless all this is cleared
up, which it never will be, as I desire mamma to tell her. By the bye,
Philip, Amy said something of your having a slip with Charles on the
stairs.'

There was very nearly an accident; but I believed he was not hurt. I
hope it has nothing to do with this illness?'

'He says it was all his own fault,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'and that he
should have been actually down but for you.'

'But is it really thought it can have caused this attack?'

'I can hardly suppose so; but Thompson fancies there may have been some
jar. However, don't distress yourself; I dare say it would have come on
all the same.'

Philip did not like to be forgiven by Mr. Edmonstone, and there was
something very annoying in having this mischance connected with his
name, though without his fault; nor did he wish Charles to have the kind
of advantage over him that might be derived from seeming to pass over
his share in the misfortune.

When they arrived at Hollywell, it was twilight, but no one was in the
drawing-room, generally so cheerful at that time of day; the fire had
lately been smothered with coals, and looked gloomy and desolate. Mr.
Edmonstone left Philip there, and ran up to see how Charles was, and
soon after Laura came in, sprang to his side, and held his hand in both
hers.

'You bring no good news?' said she, sadly, as she read the answer in his
face. 'O! how I wish you had. It would be such a comfort now. You have
heard about poor Charlie?'

'Yes; and very sorry I am. But, Laura, is it really thought that
accident could have occasioned it?'

'Dr. Mayerne does not think so, only Mr. Thompson talked of remote
causes, when Amy mentioned it. I don't believe it did any harm, and
Charlie himself says you saved him from falling down-stairs.'

Philip had begun to give Laura his version of the accident, as he had
already done to her father, when Mrs. Edmonstone came down, looking
harassed and anxious. She told her nephew that Charles was very desirous
to see him, and sent him up at once.

There was a fire in the dressing-room, and the door was open into the
little room, which was only lighted by a lamp on a small table, where
Amy was sitting at work. After shaking hands, she went away, leaving him
alone with Charles, who lay in his nar